(Source: Teamsters Canada Rail Conference press release, August 18, 2024)
The Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (Teamsters) today received 72-hour lockout notice from CN.
Unless parties reach last-minute agreements, a work stoppage will occur at 00:01 on Thursday, August 22.
“Despite reaping billions in profits over the years, CN is demanding concessions that would drag working conditions back to another era. They don’t care about supply chains, farmers, or small businesses—their sole focus is on padding the pockets of their managers and shareholders, with little regard for the safety or well-being of employees,” said Paul Boucher, president of the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference.
At CN, the company is now demanding an extension to work days in provinces west of Ontario, creating a fatigue-related safety risk. CN is also attempting to impose a forced relocation policy, which could see workers forced to move across the country, tearing families apart in the process.
By issuing a lockout to obtain these concessions, CN is willing to jeopardize the Canadian economy, and hold supply chains hostage to improve their bottom line.
The Teamsters remain committed to negotiating in good faith, and doing everything possible to achieve a fair and equitable agreement with the company. Unfortunately, CN has yet to show the same level of commitment.
“Make no mistake—corporate greed is what brought us here. The biggest sticking points are company demands, not union proposals. If a work stoppage occurs, blame will rest squarely on CN,” added Boucher.
Full story: teamsters.ca